Prospect Info: Kings sign Sean Durzi to his 3-year ELC

[Gjwrams]

I think it’s safe to say this offseason should be a fun one because some dudes will be moved.

for me top needs.

top 3 guy who can put the damn puck in the net and be a force on the PP.
big LHD that can move a dude out of the crease and have some offensive ability
a top end goalie prospect

we don’t need to get all of this during this offseason, but these are the teams biggest needs

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I don't think Durzi and Spence compare directly at all, frankly.

I think Durzi is an offense specialist, like a Shattenkirk. That is, long term #4-#5 on a playoff team that can pop in offense when needed. He's also clearly got some of the most endearing intangibles we've seen in a long time.

Spence is an all situations d-man like a diet Doughty or Jared Spurgeon. I think he can be a long-term #2-#3 where he'll either complement the top guy or can run his own pairing like Voynov.

The rest are currently wildcards, but Faber is a lot more like Matt Roy than he is Spence. He's not going to put up crazy raw points even if he can advance the puck. Grans is a lot more like Durzi, just a huge unit version. Clarke SHOULD be the long-term #1 and be more like Doughty but we don't know that.

I don't think they all pan out, but if they do, that's a good problem that we likely won't know for another two years--that effectively covers Durzi's contract time here at the very least, and will likely see Walker move on.

If you ask me--the LHD should be more worried about their jobs than the RHD in the medium-term.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

Every day is one day closer to being disappointed. It makes too much sense to trade him. He has earned a high trade value and a larger raise. Spence is a better defenseman IMO and Clarke is likely to be better at what SD does. It’s between Roy and SD.

 

[johnjm22]

Durzi has a little bit of Jonathan Quick in him. He battles hard. He's unorthodox. Highly competitive. He'll blow a simple read, then has to make a wild play to try and make up for it. He, like Quick, can be a real adventure out there.

He's very good with the puck on his stick in the offensive zone. Creative, decisive, bold. Gets shots through. Has the vision and detail to his game to make shit happen offensively.

The way he's being utilized right now is nuts. When Roy and Doughty get back he'll be on the 3rd pair with the sure-handed Edler as his partner. Give him time to to work on his game. He may never be great defensively, but he doesn't have to be, and that doesn't mean he can't improve. Playing D in the NHL is really difficult for young Dmen. Most don't get good at until their mid twenties.

 

[johnjm22]

Every day is one day closer to being disappointed. It makes too much sense to trade him. He has earned a high trade value and a larger raise. Spence is a better defenseman IMO and Clarke is likely to be better at what SD does. It’s between Roy and SD.

I see multiple people say this. I don't think he has high trade value at all.

 

[Ghetty Green]

I see multiple people say this. I don't think he has high trade value at all.

22 year old right shot defenseman putting up 25+ points on a cheap contract most definitely will have trade value, moreso in a package

 

[bland]

The closest comparable for Durzi is Justin Williams.

Slight build, limited speed but capable of sudden quick bursts, balls that scorch the ice, surprisingly willing to get rough, terrific vision that relies on guile over physical skill, and the sense that he can provide those big, dagger-type plays that inspire the entire team.

And Williams would be totally overmatched as a defenseman too.

 

[johnjm22]

22 year old right shot defenseman putting up 25+ points on a cheap contract most definitely will have trade value, moreso in a package

He hasn't done much of anything that would justify another team giving up significant assets for him. He's probably worth a second round pick.

I agree if he were to get traded it would likely make more sense in a package.

I've seen a few people say trade him while his value is high. But I think it's the opposite. If you trade him now you're trading him while his value is at a low point.

 

[TwzKing]

His all in attitude is kinda nice from a skilled player. Does make me worried about losing him to a fight or something.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Durzi strikes me as a guy who is gonna walk in and score an OT playoff goal.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

He hasn't done much of anything that would justify another team giving up significant assets for him. He's probably worth a second round pick.

I agree if he were to get traded it would likely make more sense in a package.

I've seen a few people say trade him while his value is high. But I think it's the opposite. If you trade him now you're trading him while his value is at a low point.

It's why i brought up offer sheet, too. $4.1m and down compensation is...a 2nd round pick.

I don't understand how people are down on him at this point, he's a rookie walking in playing absolutely bat shit insano minutes--more than most #1 dmen around the league on a nightly basis! I know we're spoiled by Doughty, but take a look how many dmen have played a more-than-28 minute game this year, or who regularly play more than 22. The number will surprise you. I think he's made surprisinly few major mistakes given that TOI.

For a guy to walk in at a basically 40 point pace with no insulation should excite everyone that's been begging for offense from the back end...ESPECIALLY with so damn many "defense-first" players.

 

[Telos]

I don't feel strongly about it either way given the current pipeline. He would be a good player to hold onto, but if they can get a game-changer for Turcotte + Durzi + 1st, then I wouldn't be too against it depending on the player coming back.

Of course, keeping him and hoping he turns into Martinez 2.0 sounds good to me as well as long as he is supported on the bottom or second pairing.

 

[Statto]

In terms of pure on ice talent there is definitely a case for trading him. However there are definitely not enough players on the roster with high end intangibles, it’s a huge issue. Until the likes of Turcotte and Thomas break through (if they do) I’m not sure they can afford to let Durzi go, unless some equally big character guys come into the team as part of any summer trades.

I should add that you have to think he’s still below his ceiling given it’s his rookie year and he’s emerged so suddenly. Does that increase his trade value? Perhaps. However as fans I don’t think we have the insight to say how close to his potential he really is. What they do will be interesting.

 

[mysterman2]

Im awestruck by Durzi....didnt think he had the defensice prowess to be an NHLer but he has an insane level of intangibles that makes him a crazy wild card. The Kings top 4 defensemen get injured and he is now the top Dman....and is delivering. Just a completely unpredictable turn of events. His hunger to be an NHL players is fueling his ascent...between him, Bjornfot and Spence and there crazy young age- just crazy bright future with Clarke, Faber and the emergence of Grans.

Come the off season....Walker, Roy and Turcotte can land a legit player and with cap space opening up- just a turn of events that has me giddy.

 

[Johnny Utah]

I would not trade Roy - he’s a physical stay at home d man. Kings are very soft on the back end. Roy is the most physical d man.

Durzi has been a godsend. He and Danault are my favorite new Kings this year.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Man, remember when we were like "I really hope we have an impact player come out of nowhere?"

I bet no one had Durzi and Spence on the 25 minute + bingo card.

The young D aren't just keeping us alive, they're keeping us moving forward.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

Man, remember when we were like "I really hope we have an impact player come out of nowhere?"

I think I'd add the Thousand Oaks native to that list. Lizotte too. So many impact players this season...kinda makes sense though given the position we are currently in.

 

[cyclones22]

Basically if the defenseman has any kind of upside the Kings have been developing them successfully or at the very least evaluating them correctly for those not in Ontario yet, i.e. Faber and Clarke. Now imagine how good Clarke is going to be when you see what the young D are doing with the big club? I'm very confident he's going to be a legit 1D for the Kings.

 

[TruKingFan]

I think Blake would like to move Walker first before any of the other RHD but with his contract and recent long-term injury, his value may be lowest at this point. Blake should do it anyway - Kings didn't spend any draft capital on SW and as such don't need to get back much. Clearing $2.6M for the next two years is much more valuable and will pay for Durzi and Moverare's next contracts.

 

[TruKingFan]

If you ask me--the LHD should be more worried about their jobs than the RHD in the medium-term.

With both Maata and Edler UFA's there are no other LHD under contract than Anderson and Bjornfot after this season. Definitely the first upgrade Blake should address.

 

[King'sPawn]

I think Blake would like to move Walker first before any of the other RHD but with his contract and recent long-term injury, his value may be lowest at this point. Blake should do it anyway - Kings didn't spend any draft capital on SW and as such don't need to get back much. Clearing $2.6M for the next two years is much more valuable and will pay for Durzi and Moverare's next contracts.

I have a feeling Blake will try to move Walker, too. If he can't, he may waive Walker and assign him to the AHL.

This isn't even a testament to Walker's skillset - he's had a couple ugly injuries in back-to-back seasons, and I think he just needs some time to get back up to game speed.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Agreed. Maata and Edler will walk. Kings need a LD - badly.

I like Walker, but Durzi stole his spot - so he's trade bait especially with that contract and Durzi, Kempe, Anderson and Lemeiux all needing new contracts.

Doughty-Anderson
Durzi-Bjornfot
Roy-???

Do the Kings let Spence with Roy? Do they make another move via trade or UFA? Also, need a #7 D who can rotate in for injuries - maybe that's Movarere, but he's an RFA and Strand is a UFA.